Philip Aldridge

Chief Executive

Philip trained as an actor at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and worked for 15 years in the UK in theatre and television appearing in Eastenders, The Bill, KYTV, Emmerdale as well as a wide repertoire of classical and contemporary work on the stage.

He subsequently worked in the City and on Wall Street as a merchant banker and company director before moving to New Zealand in 2002. He has been Chief Executive since 2005.

Email Philp: ceo@courttheatre.org.nz

Ross Gumbley

Artistic Director

In 1985 Ross became a trainee actor at The Court Theatre. Since then he has appeared in over 100 productions and broadened his skills to include writing and directing.

Through the late nineties Ross held an Associate Directorship at Centrepoint Theatre. During this time he also anchored his own radio show for Classic Hits and co-wrote six plays with Alison Quigan, many of which have been staged at The Court and throughout the country.

Ross  was appointed Associate Artistic Director of The Court in 2004. His first solo venture as a playwright HAPPY COUPLING premiered at The Court in 2006, the same year that Ross became The Court Theatre’s Artistic Director.

As Artistic Director, Ross is responsible for the selection of productions for both the main season at The Court and at The Forge, as well as overseeing the artistic development and growth of the company as a whole.

Email Ross: ross@courttheatre.org.nz

Lara Macgregor

Associate Artistic Director

Lara completed a twenty-five week Artistic Direction Internship at The Court Theatre in 2008 and became a permanent member of staff in 2009. Prior to this, Lara worked as an actor, director and drama coach in the United States, appearing in over thirty productions throughout the country. She studied with Uta Hagen, Anthony Abeson and Alec Reubin, becoming a member of the American Actors’ Equity Association.

Lara holds a Post Grad Diploma in Directing from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney and has directed productions in New York, Sydney and Melbourne.

She was Head of Drama at the Eastern Institute of Technology Performing Arts in Napier in 2004 and in addition has coached students through audition preparation for N.I.D.A, W.A.A.P.A, V.C.A, Toi Whakaari and U.N.I.T.E.C.

As Associate Artistic Director one of Lara’s chief areas of responsibility is to oversee the artistic development of The Forge.

Email Lara: theforge@courttheatre.org.nz

Steve Brooker

Marketing Manager

Steve joined The Court in early 2006 after 12 years as Business Development Manager with the Christchurch Symphony.

Having held senior management positions in Marketing and Sales with AMP, Steve ’s pragmatic approach to the “business behind the art” is backed by a wealth of corporate sector experience.

As Marketing Manager Steve has overall responsibility for the development of The Court brand and profile, or as he puts it “increasing queues and revenue”.  He also works with a wide range of community leaders and business people to maintain and diversify our avenues of funding and sponsorship.

Email Steve: stevebrooker@courttheatre.org.nz

Beverley Parlane

Business Manager

Beverley is responsible for managing the Court's financial operations, and is in charge of our four administrators.

She has been a staff member at the Court since 2006 and is thoroughly enjoying working in a theatrical environment having worked previously in inventory control in a (smelly) feedmill. Throughout her long and varied career, Beverley has worked in marketing, sales and customer service.

Beverley has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Canterbury majoring in Math and Management Science, and has three teenage children.

Email Beverley: business@courttheatre.org.nz

Laura Reeve

Front of House Manager

Laura joined The Court in September 2009 as the Executive Projects Co-ordinator and took over the role of Front of House Manager in March 2010. She heads our Front of House operations managing a team of 14, including Box Office and Bar staff, and our Event Coordinator and Event Hosts. She manages bookings for the Court’s 1,500 subscribers as well as ticketing services for outside promoters. Laura also liaises with the Court Supporters who provide our 350 volunteer ushers.

Laura’s background is in Hospitality, primarily in Event Hire and Management. She has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Ancient History and Classics from the University of Canterbury, and is currently studying for a Graduate Diploma in Project Management.

Email Laura: bookings@courttheatre.org.nz

Peter McInnes

Production Manager

Peter McInnes joined The Court in 2008 and heads a production team of up to 20 staff including lighting, wardrobe, props, sound and designers. He's been working behind the scenes of the Entertainment Industry for over 15 years and has a wealth of experience that he draws on to fulfil his varied responsibilities here.

Peter worked in Auckland for 5 years for Spot-Light Systems, and has worked for countless organisations including the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the Chch Arts Festival.

Email Peter: production@courttheatre.org.nz

Kirsty Gillespie

Corporate Entertainment Manager

Jeff Clark

Communications Manager

Jeff has been a member of The Court company since 1996 when he was recruited as an Associate Court Jester, while completing a B.A. in English at the University of Canterbury.

After two years working as Education and Audience Development Manager at The Court, Jeff is now responsible for producing markeing collateral, including media releases, radio and print advertising, and developing material for the numerous activities at The Court and The Forge.

Email Jeff: communications@courttheatre.org.nz

Hayley Negus

Promotions Manager

Hayley joined The Court in 2009 and is responsible for promotions, maintaining the website, e-marketing and special events.

She has a passion for promoting the arts and worked as an entertainment publicist promoting shows such as Cirque du Soleil for three years before moving into marketing events. Hayley was the Marketing Coordinator for two Australian tours of Disney On Ice before joining the road and spending a year and a half on tour in America, Japan and Europe with the show "The Magical World of Disney On Ice".

Hayley has a Bachelor of Communication Studies from AUT.

Email Hayley: promotions@courttheatre.org.nz

Emma Brittenden

Education and Audience Development Manager

Emma Brittenden is in charge of the education programme offered by the Court Theatre.  She is the point of contact for schools, groups and the general public interested in the programmes we offer, from in-house workshops to travelling productions.

As a member of the marketing team, she is also involved with promotions and publicity, as well as finding new ways to involve the community in the theatre.

Emma is also a current member of the Court Jesters and the tutor of our senior drama classes.

Email Emma: education@courttheatre.org.nz

Gretchen La Roche

Sponsorship Liaison Manager

Gretchen joined the Court in 2009 having previously held the position of Senior Programme Adviser managing the national music portfolio at Creative New Zealand. Prior to this Gretchen was a member of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra where she was Principal Clarinet for ten years. During her time with the orchestra she also co-ordinated the orchestra’s Outreach Programme.

Gretchen holds a Bachelor of Music from Auckland University, and a post graduate diploma (DipRAM) from the Royal Academy of Music, London. In 2001 Gretchen was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.

Email Gretchen: sponsorship@courttheatre.org.nz

Matthew de Villiers

Associate Producer

In 2008, Matthew received a sought after marketing internship placement at The Court through The University of Canterbury. During this time, he undertook an extensive research project on The Forge. After completing his internship he returned to University to further his studies; however, due to his love of theatre, continued to work at The Court in the Box Office and Bar.

He joined The Court full-time in 2010 as the Associate Producer; a role which encompasses artist liaison, acquisition of performance rights for plays and he is also involved in sponsorship liaison in the marketing team.

Matthew holds a Bachelor of Commerce (with Honours) from The University of Canterbury, in Marketing and Organisational Leadership and Development. 

Email Matthew: matt@courttheatre.org.nz